Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and the side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who use it. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. medication for adhd of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however these effects typically disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. adhd medication uk are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. add adhd medication can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best approach.